How does a Menstrual Cup work?

Perhaps you have been using tampons and pads for a long time and heard about menstrual cups. But probably you keep asking yourself, how does a Menstrual Cup Work?? Today, cups are the most widely used by women between the ages of 18 and 45 around the world. It means that these cups are tested and true. However, the market has different types of menstrual cups from Lunette Cup, Diva Cup, Moon Cup and more. Before learning how it works, know how to choose the right one for you.

First off, choose the right cup

Picking the right menstrual cup can be overwhelming, especially when you don’t know what to look for…

It is just the same as picking the right diaper for a kid. The same way you would have a ‘test drive’ for one diaper, get one cup and try if it works for you. Each time you want to pick a cup, read reviews by other customers. What do they think about that particular cup? How flexible is your preferred cup? The best way to get the right fit in the first instance is gauging the length of your vagina. Reach out with your finger. If you can get to the cervix easily, it means your cervix is short.

For that reason, get a shorter cup such as the Lunette cup. If you have given birth, it would be advisable to start with a size 2. Something else to look out for is how soft or hard the cup is. For women who have strong pelvic muscles and those who have never given birth, a harder cup would work best. Understanding your body (your pelvic muscle and your vagina) will save you money and time.

…But how does a Menstrual Cup work?

Many women want to get involved with a Cup, but the question that keeps bugging them is; how does a menstrual cup work? Are you in this category? Well, using a menstrual cup has never been this easy. With many women becoming aware of the ever busy lifestyles, menstrual cups have become better alternatives to sanitary towels and tampons. What most women do not realise is the many health, hygienic, comfort, and reliability benefits they come with.

Instead of absorbing menstrual fluid, they collect the fluid. On average, they leak less and are very comfortable to wear. But menstrual cups do have a little learning curve. The cup could be made of latex rubber or silicon but however large it may appear, it has to be flexible. Before your normal period begins, the user is supposed to fold the cup and insert it without an applicator just like a tampon.

When folded and used correctly, the user should hardly notice there is something attached to the vagina. It’s all about putting the diaphragm in place. Once inserted, the cup rests open in place against vagina walls.

It then forms a seal to ensure that no leaks occur during your menstruation. When your menstruation comes, it slowly drips into the cup. Some cups are reusable while others are disposable. When removing the cup, ensure you pull the base that sticks out at the bottom. If it is reusable, simply empty, clean, and replace it. Once your cycle is complete, be sure to sterilise your cup with boiling water. The question; how does a menstrual cup work is one that can be answered easily by your cup’s pamphlet. A set of instructions should accompany your menstrual cup. Read them to the letter and follow the given guidelines!

How to use a Menstrual Cup

Once you answer the question how do menstrual cups work, learn how to use a menstrual cup. First, understand that each cup is folded differently from tampons and other cups. Let’s concentrate on Ruby for example. Start by washing your hands thoroughly. Then squeeze the cup’s walls together until it forms a C shape. Folding it in such a way makes its insertion easier. However, if you find the folding style uncomfortable for you, find another way of folding. As you would with tampons, insert the Ruby Cup gently into your vagina, ensuring that you tilt it back to your spine’s base. The cup has to sit low for it to stay put and be comfortable inside the vagina. Once inside, it will create a suction to prevent any leak.

Menstrual Cup Positives

Less odour. With a menstrual cup, you will not experience menstrual odour wafting out at inopportune times. Your fluid never gets exposed to the air.

No chemicals. As opposed to tampons and pads, cups do not absorb toxins. They do not contain chemicals such as dioxin and bleach. Note that some chemicals such as dioxin are linked to cancer.

Money Saver. Most cups are reusable. Some can be used for years without buying new ones. Instead of spending too much on pads, menstrual cups can save you money. In fact, you can use a menstrual cup for 12 hours before emptying.

The best way to get the right menstrual cup is through trying several out. They come in different sizes and forms. Ultimately, if the first one fails to fit, try out the next. I tried the several out until I found what I’m comfy with! If you have any questions, please ask below!